I would like to second Vicky's suggestion to develop a skateboard
park in Ketchikan. I agree that the existing half pipe at the
rec center is very limited in developing skateboard riding skills.
I would suggest that if there are a solid number of kids who
want a qulaity skateboard park, then they need to organize (with
adult assistance) and begin identifying the assets and barriers
involved in the development of such a site. Some of the concerns
that need to be addressed include:

1. Doesn't this just provide a place for dealing drugs?
2. Aren't kids going to get hurt and if so, who pays for the
medical costs?
3. What about the noise level and hours of operation?
4. Where does the money come from to pay for the facility?
5. Are there significant numbers of kids who will use the facility?
6. If developed should bike riders, inline skaters, and skateboarders
be allowed to use the facility?
7. Is there ample coverage to patrol the grounds?
8. Where can the site be developed and who will build it?

These are just some of the questions that need to be addressed.
Do I think these issues can be resolved to the satisfaction
of most of our community members? I don't know, but I would like
to find out.

I am not naive enough to think a skateboard park will solve the
drug, youth suicide, and family issues we face, but it does
have the potential of offering another positive place where kids
can have fun. It sure beats hanging out in the Safeway parking
lot.

Respectfully,

Norm Noggle
Ketchikan, AK

About: "I am a school
counselor at Fawn Mountain elementary School. I was involved
in the successful development of a concrete $247,000 skate park
in a small rural town in eastern Washington."